An estimated 260,000+ new cases of invasive and 63,000+ cases of non-invasive breast cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. this year

According to BreastCancer.org, one in eight American women will develop some type of invasive breast cancer in her life. More alarmingly, an estimated 40,000+ women will die in 2018 as a result of some type of breast cancer. Statistically speaking, breast cancer risk increases when a close relative—such as a mother, grandmother or sister—has been diagnosed with it during her lifetime. However, about 15 percent of new breast cancer cases occur in women with no previous family history of this disease.

A measurable drop in breast cancer cases is attributed to a decrease in the use of Hormone Replacement Therapy or HRT, which has shown a connection to the disease. Overall health habits also play a role in the susceptibility of women to breast cancer, especially drinking alcohol and cigarette smoking. Also, exposure to radiation in the face or chest before the age of 30 is another measurable risk that can lead to breast cancer. In addition, breast cancer affects women of all races and ethnicities.

Still, perfectly healthy women are still developing cancer and awareness for this type of cancer should be followed by support of initiatives seeking to find a cure for breast cancer. Obesity in its different levels is another known risk factor and this is why women should exercise regularly and have an active lifestyle that can boost their bodies’ defenses. Despite no cure for cancer being found, regular exercising and healthy eating habits—such as eating little or no sugar—are known ways to decrease the risk of breast cancer in women.

At MyMRI, we encourage women to having yearly checkups and to have conversations with their doctors to ensure early detection. After all, the earlier breast cancer is caught, the higher the chance of treatment and survival. Becoming aware of lumps in the breast is still considered to be the first line of defense for any woman who is concerned about the risk of breast cancer in her family. And if you are not sure of how to do a self-exam of your breast, ask a healthcare professional who can share specific techniques or methods.